June 29, 2007
Sex helps public-speaking nerves
I missed this on the BBC website last year. I think the same thing applies to athletes, cricketers et al!
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June 27, 2007
Geoff Burch
Looking forward to hearing Geoff Burch next week. Details here.
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June 22, 2007
Hitachi Education - Plug & Present
Recently completed this project on behalf of Hitachi. Plug & Present is a very neat piece of equipment. Really takes the hassle out of presenting.
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June 21, 2007
2 Tips for successful presentations
Iain Dale gave Government Minister, Liam Byrne a glowing testimonial on his blog. Iain noticed two things with Mr Byrne’s presentation.
1. No notes whilst giving his Power point presentation, and
2. Sounding polished.
These happen when
A. You know your content inside out, and
B. You practice your delivery.
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June 18, 2007
2 things not to do when public-speaking
Trevor Phillips, who chairs the Commission for Racial Equality was left with egg on his face after making a terrible gaffe whilst attending a function on the Queen’s official birthday on Saturday. His was a guest speaker at the Imperial College London’s Centenary Ball when he made a joke about the Queen Mother and her colostomy bag. Guests were shocked and disgusted at his ill-considered joke.
I’ve heard Trevor Phillips speak before and he doesn’t strike me as someone who would make such a basic error. If you are asked to entertain an audience with a joke or funny story then make absolutely sure you won’t offend anybody. Ask beforehand if necessary and if in doubt cut it out. The other golden rule is KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE.
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June 17, 2007
TV Appearances
I’ll be appearing on 18 Doughty Street on Tuesday evening, June 19th. Iain Dale has asked me to be on the couch for Vox Politics and the End of the Day show.
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June 13, 2007
3 Tips about Audience Participation
Another interesting post at Public Speaking Simplified caught my eye earlier today. It’s about audience participation. I like some of the tips and would remind you that keeping control is essential!
Questions to your audience are always a good way to break the ice. I find they help me reduce the “jitters” which we all suffer from.
Here’s those tips:
Some interactivity with an audience is very critical to getting your message across. It’s also a way to gauge audience interest and to get a sense of whether or not you are going too fast or slow, or if you are staying on point.
Depending on the style and content of your presentation, you may even want to plan some audience inter-activities. Breaking the audience into sub-groups makes the most of short attention spans, and it breaks up the pace of the presentation. Additionally, when sub-groups do interactive role plays, discussions, or list building, they learn faster and better.
Dealing with the Audience
• Here are some rules of thumb:
o For everything from questions to eliciting comments to getting volunteers for crazy group activities, don’t spend time dragging someone who is clearly more comfortable not being in the limelight.
o When crafting interactive exercises or activities for a seminar or presentation, consider the audience:
* have they seen this kind of thing before?
* Is it too advanced? Too juvenile? ? Too creative? Not creative enough?
* Too verbal? ? Does it require special skills?
* Will it embarrass people beyond where the audience will be comfortable?
o Interact with your audience through elicit responses to questions you pose. To get answers, don’t merely say, for example, “Can anybody tell me something about their negative experiences in public speaking?” A more sure way to get responses might be to be more specific: “has anyone here ever had terrible speaking experience when called upon to?” Inevitably someone will nod. Gently ask someone who nods if they will elaborate and the conversation will begin. Others will be glad to give their comments if someone starts the ball rolling.
o Bring people into your world. Ask them to help you by reading lists, or points you have pre-printed, or ask them to write on a flip chart. Give them prizes.
Keep your eyes peeled for more tips.
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June 12, 2007
Public Speaking(Audience Feedback)
As a speaker or presenter, you’re always going to attract both negative and positive feed- back from your audience.
I learnt some time ago that one shouldn’t spend too much time listening to the minority of people who “have a go” (besides who are they to criticize).
Much better to listen and learn from the majority. In any audience, there’ll be those who think you’re the Devil incarnate and a similar percentage who feel you are the best thing since sliced bread!
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